Joey O'Donnell film premiere Nov. 5 raising money for cystic fibrosis

Wednesday

Oct 25, 2017 at 11:19 AMOct 25, 2017 at 11:19 AM

Joe and Kathy O’Donnell host the 33rd annual Joey O’Donnell Film Premiere on Sunday, Nov. 5, in Natick and Framingham. The food and film event serves as a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and The Joey Fund.

Since the event's inception, supporters have contributed generously, collectively raising $100 million over the past three decades through the film premiere and other Joey Fund events. Last year’s premiere raised more than $1 million.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955 and exists to ensure that a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF) will be found. The O’Donnells started The Joey Fund in 1986 when their son Joey passed away after battling CF.

More than 1,000 people are expected to gather Nov. 5 for an evening of regional cuisine from local restaurants, including Porcini’s, Kowloon, Not Your Average Joe’s, Piantedosi Baking Company, Trade, Italcrust, Neiman Marcus Café, Grill 23 & Bar and Zaftig’s.

Cystic fibrosis is the number one genetic disease in the country, affecting 30,000 children and adults. Events such as The Joey Fund Film Premiere advance the CF Foundation’s life-saving mission: to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.

In 2015 the FDA approved of the drug Orkambi, and now 54 percent of the CF population is on a drug that is addressing the basic defect in the cell. This year, Kalydeco was approved for 28 additional mutations. Orkambi and Kalydeco now treat approximately 60 percent of the cystic fibrosis population.

The Joey O'Donnell Film Premiere begins with a cocktail reception and food from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Neiman Marcus Court, Natick Mall, 1245 Worcester St. (Rte. 9 west), Natick. Attendees should use the main mall entrance between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

The film screening follows at 8:30 p.m. at the AMC Framingham Theatre, 22 Flutie Pass, Framingham. Complimentary round-trip limo service is provided to and from the theater.

Tickets are available for purchase at https://filmpremiere2017.eventscff.org.